1994 saw the birth of the Stargate franchise. The titular 1994 movie was followed by Stargate SG-1, which served as a sequel to the original film. Stargate Atlantis followed afterwards, and more recently; Stargate Universe. All of which acted to further the Stargate series. This is yet another video game idea I have conjured up in my mind, and have been thinking of for quite some time. Especially since the announcement of Stargate SG-1: Unleashed.

I have always envisioned a large, open-world Stargate game that could be best described as nothing short of ultimate. When one takes a look at how long the Stargate franchise has been running, and more importantly - how long it has been active, you can’t help but realize that the series contains a very large codex of information. It is a matter of taking that information and translating it into video game form. I’m talking everything. Characters, locations, weapons used throughout the series - just about everything. What Stargate fans need is a capable developer that will be able to translate the Stargate codex into video game form, and do it well, all with a prestigious finish. I’ll go ahead and get straight to it, and give a generalization of exactly what this “Ultimate Stargate game” should consist of. For all those who are reading, please bear in mind, that EVERYTHING is subjective. I am making generalizations, and many things could be done one way or another. Just try to understand and interpret with a universal outlook on these ideas.

Gameplay

This giant Stargate game should undoubtedly be a third-person action-adventure, with an open-world gameplay formula. All while being a Stargate experience. Everything that Stargate fans have seen throughout the television programs should be performed in gameplay. Whether it is simply negotiating between a new-found ally of Earth, or infiltrating a heavily-defended enemy base, installation, or starship. The game’s gameplay, much like the shows - should be very ambidextrous. Being both conservative and very action-oriented at times. Very story-driven, and very action-focused. We’re talking a direct, overall video game translation of the experience we get while watching the shows. This contrast between gameplay contributes greatly to the freshness and non-linear nature of the experience.

Just as we’ve seen from the show, ideally, this Stargate game would have to feature a new group of characters that each have their own skill-set and abilities. A new Stargate team. This would call for further diverse gameplay. What comes to mind is an immediate need for a particular character’s abilities. Take what I am about to say as an example. When not on a mission, the team will find themselves in the Cheyenne complex, being briefed for what is to come ahead. During that time, you may have to consult the team’s equivalent to Dr. Daniel Jackson from SG-1. He, or she, would act as the team’s linguist/archeologist. From there, the character would perhaps need to decipher a piece of writing to attain a gate address, which would take you to your next mission.

This task would really add to the addicting factor of the game, and would serve as a great change of pace, to a more steady, calm, and conservative gameplay experience. Whether or not each individual character is playable is something I myself cannot decide - in this case, the team’s archeologist. Perhaps a character-zapping system could be implemented into the game? This would allow for a higher level of control and interactivity for the player. However, the only downside to this could perhaps be the character which serves as the focal point of the team. I’m guessing that allowing players to control all characters at a given time would detract the focus brought up on a particular, main character. Then again, both teams from both SG-1 and Atlantis were all important in making up their respective teams. So, this is debatable.

Going back to translating everything into video game form, you really have to think for a moment and realize just how detailed this game could be. Everything from weapons, to all sorts of various devices we’ve seen in the series. They’re all there to be interacted with. Whether it is a staff weapon, or a DHD, this is an extremely heightened interactive experience waiting to happen.

Weaponry

Normally, I wouldn’t focus on such an arbitrary subject with such a huge game idea. But I always get stumped on the subject of weaponry in a Stargate video game. It’s all centered around one main question; How important are weapons in this game? I ask that because of the completeness of such a game’s arsenal. It’s a no-brainer that we would have access to alien technology and weaponry in a Stargate game. But there’s no doubt that we’d be playing as Human characters, which naturally would call for Human weapons. It’s all a matter of how complete and detailed the arsenal would be. Although I think it’s safe to say that this game would mainly be about awe, wonder, exploration, atmosphere and storytelling. But I still have the subject of weapon-use in the back of my mind. Why? Because this is how I think, folks; Weapon attachments. Would we walk around with bare P90s, and other gear we’ve seen in use by SG members in Stargate? Or would there be some level of detail? I would hope so. Now that you’ve all acknowledged how mentally sick I am , I’ll just end by giving a breakdown of what weaponry would consist of, ideally.

Human weaponry, as chosen in an arsenal before deploying through the Stargate. Complete with desired weapon attachments. This would make the weapons more complete, as it would be a bit awkward using bare weapons. It just seems wrong. And of course the various alien technology you would have at your disposal, if the situation calls for it.

Area of Operations, Locations & Assets

Exacting on what I’ve said about this game being a video game translation of Stargate as we’ve seen thus far, the main area of operations featured in the game is no exception. For the sole purpose of being a tremendously huge fan-service for Stargate fans, as well as being my rationale for not coming up with an idea for this particular portion of the game, the main base of operations should be non other than the Cheyenne Mountain Complex from SG-1. Personally, I see no better way to satisfy Stargate fans. Plus, from my personal perspective, I see no need for another area of operations purely because I do not have the willpower to think of a new one. But the bottom line is, it simply isn’t necessary. Especially since I’m sure Stargate fans would welcome this as a major source of fan service.

The Cheyenne complex serves the player-controlled character just as it does the on-screen characters of the SG-1 series. All while featuring fully-explorable interior cells. Every section of the complex, down to every detail, is to be featured in the game. Everything from the gate room, the science labs, personnel quarters, to the cafeteria. Everything is to be fully explorable. I would imagine that areas such as the personnel quarters would act as an in-game save point, and an area to rest. Areas such as the cafeteria would act purely as a decoration piece for completeness-sake. All while featuring NPCs. The gate room, again - just as we’ve seen from the show, would act as the area from which gate addresses are dialed in. As well as acting as a conduit for communications via incoming and outgoing signals from the Stargate itself. Other remaining areas of the complex would follow suit. There’s nothing like the feeling of satisfaction from carrying out actions in another part of the Cheyenne complex, then travelling through the gate to your next mission which in turn is another fully-explorable area. Just imagine. This makes for very dynamic and diverse gameplay. All while adding to the experience.

I could very well see many Stargate fans being extremely excited over such a notion. Speaking of travelling to your next mission, I would imagine that the size of mission locations are variable, depending upon the gameplay actions that are to be carried out in each mission. Some worlds are larger, some are smaller. Some feature perhaps a string of missions, some may be single, simple missions. It all varies and correlates.

Video game potential: Completing the codex & Furthering Stargate

Many media franchises have a more-or-less incomplete codex of information. This Stargate game would serve as a fantastic display of what video games can do to already-existing franchises. There is so much potential with this game, that it’s quite ridiculous. For example, the Stragoth are a race of aliens that have been featured in only one episode of Stargate: SG-1. This game will open any potential doors for such dismissed parts of the series. Races such as the Stragoth could be explored more in this open-world Stargate game. Another example are the Nox. They are a race that have been introduced early on in the SG-1 series, but haven’t been fully-realized in the Stargate codex. I’m sure many fans see the Nox as a very great area of opportunity for this game. I imagine many would salivate at the thought of the floating city on the Noxs’ homeworld of Gaia being explorable. The SG-1 series never took us there. And this game could fulfill such Stargate fantasies. All while featuring a series of Nox-related missions.

Furthermore, the Asgard, and their struggle with re-attaining their former biological state is another thing that could be explored. Personally, I always thought of that subject as a very interesting and exciting one to centre a Stargate storyline around. This could be detailed more thoroughly with the inclusion of the Vanir Asgard that were introduced in Atlantis. It could very well act as a series of missions in this ultimate, potential Stargate game. The Furlings, another race that has been left untouched. The Reol, a race which was featured in SG-1 briefly, much like the Stragoth. I could go on. This would not only effectively expand the Stargate codex, but would also serve as very powerful gameplay set-pieces, and offer gamers many hours of gameplay. There is much game to be had, here. And even more potential. Video games most certainly have a tremendous advantage over movies and television. This game would serve as a reminder of that, amongst other things.

The Characters & Voice acting

And now we move on to a subject that is very delicate. Rather, very difficult to envision being executed well. Simply because I am unsure of how willing the actors of the Stargate series would be to do voice work for this game. Everyone from Michael Shanks to Amanda Tapping, and David Hewlett to Jason Momoa. It would be great to see many of the actors from the shows making an appearance in the game. Again, like all things, this is pretty subjective and variable. Personally, I would love for many of the characters we’ve seen from the two main television series to make an appearance in this ultimate Stargate game. All while voicing their respective characters, of course. It’s all a matter of how hard it could be - if it’s a dream or not. I’m not sure. I suppose it all comes down to budget. But by default, such a project would demand a substantially large budget to back it.

It’s quite exciting, thinking of interaction in this game with characters such as Dr. McKay. Complete with his antics and overall hilarity. Every character represented accurately. All in video game form. No doubt, it would be very neat including a good number of Stargate cast members in this game. Adding to its prestige and polish. I guess one question should be asked of all the Stargate fans out there. Which Stargate cast members would you like to see in a Stargate video game? More precisely, which Stargate characters would you like to see featured in the game? Seeing everyone from Dr. McKay, Teal’C, Sheppard, and Ronon Dex would be a dream-come-true. Even going far as to including characters such as Todd, the Wraith, would just add to the awesome-factor of this game. But it isn’t simply a matter of featuring in a character model and a couple of lines of voice work into the game. A character’s personality should really be worked into the game as if you were watching an episode of SG-1 or Atlantis. Interaction with the characters would really exhibit their traits.

Finally, we come to the main stars, the main, playable Stargate team that is to be featured in the game. Who are they? What are their names? Who are they voiced by? I can’t answer that. That’s purely something that the developers of this game would have to create themselves. I imagine they would be voiced by some talented individuals who will gel very well together, both in-game, and in the studio. A talented group who’s characters will parallel those of the SG-1 and Atlantis series. All while creating some solid chemistry as seen between previous Stargate characters which would be appearing in the game along with this new, playable team.

Atlantis & The Pegasus Galaxy

Now I get to the Ancient city of Atlantis, and how both it and the Pegasus Galaxy could be featured in the game. Naturally, I would look at something like this as DLC - more precisely, an expansion. Something you’d usually see in a predominantly PC-platform game; a large expansion content pack. One of the highlights here would be the ship-city of Atlantis itself. Of course, being given the same treatment as the Cheyenne Mountain Complex; being fully explorable. In a way, a fully-explorable Atlantis in video game form could be even more powerful to fans due to Atlantis’ enormous size. Digitizing Atlantis into video game form would be a focal point for Stargate codex. It would be a great opportunity to form more sections of Atlantis that we haven’t seen in the Atlantis series, and of course - it would be yet another huge source of fan service. The city would of course be complete with all of its perks and signature features. The control chair, and all resources available to Atlantis expedition members. Complete with Puddle Jumpers. Aside from Atlantis, we would get everything else we’ve seen in the Atlantis series to go along with the city. Some new and old locales would serve as worlds to venture into and go on missions. With the inclusion of the surrounding mainland of Lantea.

Unsurprisingly, we would have to the good old Wraith to serve as the main enemy in this Atlantis/Pegasus expansion, with missions following a story-arch featuring the Wraith. Trying to not get the life sucked out of you, sounds fun! Oh, and anyone for Todd being featured in the game? Count me in.

Presentation - And some words to all Stargate fans

So there you have it. A generalized blueprint for the ultimate Stargate video game. I just can’t stress something enough; there are many, many facets to many ideas. There are many ways of executing ideas. But I think that after reading, most people will understand that a lot of things are modifiable. Take Atlantis as an example. Could we feature in EVERY square-inch of the city into the game? Maybe. Although I imagine it would be extremely difficult, given it’s massive size. Not everything has to be rendered into interior cells for gamers and Stargate fans to explore. Not all of it is necessary. So I’m just letting readers know how to go about taking all of this in. Not everything is to be exact, taken literally. After all, video game technology does have its limits.

Finally, I want to let all Stargate fans know that if they share the same Stargate-related dream as me - to see the ultimate Stargate game be made, then do not hesitate to share your own ideas. And build upon what I have started to envision. I genuinely hope to see such a Stargate game created. Thank you for reading!